The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have some things in common — especially when it comes to the MLB trade deadline.
Prior to Saturday’s game between the two teams, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal identified Boston’s three biggest needs at the deadline.
Coincidentally, Chicago is also in the market for the same type of players.
“Both also are looking for the same thing: A starting pitcher good enough to take the ball in a postseason series,” Rosenthal said. “The problem is very few of those pitchers are likely to be available, and these teams have other needs as well. Both are looking for a corner infielder — the Red Sox a first baseman and the Cubs a third baseman. And both, like all contenders, are also likely to explore bullpen help.”
The Cubs are atop the National League Central standings, while the Red Sox sit third in the American League East. While Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito appear to be finding a groove, starting pitchers not named Garrett Crochet haven’t been consistent.
First base has also been an area of need for months for the Red Sox after Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon. Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have filled in since then, but getting a solidified first baseman would certainly benefit the Red Sox.
The bullpen has been up-and-down all season. And with Tanner Houck remaining on the injured list after his rehab assignment, pitching became an even bigger need for Boston.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been adamant about using the trade deadline to bolster the Red Sox. And with the team in the mix for a Wild Card spot, it will be interesting to see how the needs are met.
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